Kids International Day Care Centre - KIDCC

Extra-curricular activities help to develop the whole student. We cannot just produce one-dimensional students in our schools.

Students who are involved in extra-curricular pursuits tend to improve their academic grades as well. This may be due to increased self-esteem, motivation and better time management. They become better organized in the classroom. They demonstrate a reduction of at-risk behavior and a heightened sense of belonging, resulting in better behaviour.

They learn useful new skills from their chosen activity, and in integrating these activities into their everyday school lives, they learn time management, critical thinking, teamwork and social skills. They develop life-long relationships with their peers and learn how to lead others. These skills will be beneficial in later life and in the workplace.

Extra-curricular activities also foster a sense of commitment to a cause or purpose and they reduce selfish behaviour. Students become more marketable in the workplace.

Through the avenue of extra-curricular activities students find it much easier to gain admission into universities. Modern universities are more interested in recruiting students who have something to offer besides academic qualifications. They seek out students who can make a contribution in other areas to the university and the society at large. Many universities and some schools make money and gain prestige through their extra-curricular engagement in various arenas.

There is endless research on the benefits of children having pets at home. This experience can teach kids a range of important life lessons on responsibility, compassion, empathy, kindness, friendship, and patience (to name just a few skills and attributes !!). Whilst these lessons are learnt from interaction with animals, the key learning is also relevant to human interaction. A US study highlighted that children with animals at home are more likely to have higher self-esteem. There is even evidence showing that having a pet at home can reduce the risk of developing common allergies and asthma.
Pets have also been known to help support children who struggle with reading.

Children will find it easier reading to a curled up cat or dog than reading to an adult. Over time, reading to a pet will promote more confidence with a child's reading at home and at school.

The physical responsibility of looking after a pet is also beneficial for children and provides them with active jobs around the house. These active jobs will include jobs such as cleaning out cages, taking dogs for walks, feeding, playing etc.

Days out to see animals, for example visiting a zoo or farm, will also have many benefits for children and even babies and toddlers.

This kind of contact with animals will develop a greater understanding of compassion, responsibility, and empathy just like having a pet does. It is good for children to learn about different animals and their important role in our world. Children need to see that they relate heavily to our everyday lives. As part of this learning children will start to understand more about nature and our environment as well as other environments. Understanding animals' different habitats is important and teaches us about their different needs as well as habitats around the world.